About eight years ago, the Kind Cafe popped up at 724 N. 3rd St., but the vegan sandwich shop was perhaps a little ahead of its time and didn’t last very long. We’re not sure exactly what’s gone on at this building in the meantime, but we’re fairly confident that no other commercial concept has used the space. The other day, we noticed some construction activity over there.

Yup

According to public record, the property was purchased a few months back for $272.5K by a gentleman named Gabriel Aherne. Mr. Aherne went to the ZBA to request variances to split the property into two distinct lots, add a third story and create two apartments with rear decks at the northern building, and use both ground floor spaces for an unspecified light industrial or commercial use. Here are some renderings, from Fishtank.

Looks sharp

Whoa roofdeck!

We spoke to the owner, and nothing has been decided yet in terms of what will eventually fill those first floor spaces. With a preschool next door and several restaurants in the immediate area, we imagine some retail use could definitely make a go of it in this space. Or maybe a private gallery or artist studio? Any other ideas?

Hey, it could be a good spot for a new pizza place…